CocoWHAT!?

This octopus carried around a coconut and made a little shelter from it, and everyone is freaking out because it's the first incidence of an octopus using tools.



I'm freaking out because it's ADORABLE. The best part is when he carries the coconut underneath him but his tentacles are still scurrying, like "dee-dee-dee-dee-dee" (twinkly music).

Red Pandas Can Stand Up

I did not know these dudes could stand up. SO CUTE!

New Yorkers, you can see a red panda IN PERSON at the Central Park Zoo. After going a few times and never seeing one, I was pretty discouraged. But the last time I went one was just hangin' in a tree eating some leaves and it was SO CLOSE! It ruled.

The zoo peeps will be giving the pandas "bamboo goodies" every Saturday and Sunday in December at 1:30 pm. Other animals get presents too. So awes. Second only to when animals get pumpkins at Halloween. That is my fave.

Thanks to Brad for the tip!

Turkey Pardon Streaming LIVE!

Oh man. The Presidential Turkey Pardon is streaming live today on the White House website.

The White House even made an official preview video.



Of course they didn't say what TIME the live stream would take place. But I'll find out and let you guys know.

UPDATE: OMG, it's happening NOW! It started at 11:30 and the girls are there!!!!!!!!!!

Floaty Croc + Balloon Dog + Flying Pig = Best Parade Ever

Guys, check out how awesome the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade used to be. (NOTE: For the record, I still think it's awesome and totally might go this year.)

These photos are from the New York Public Library archives and depict the 1932 Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Check out this little pig and tiny policeman/soldier guy boppin down the street! The balloons are so small!



WEINER DOG BALLOON!



Did this balloon fly away by accident? I can't even tell what it is. A cat? I think these pictures are so funny.



Check out this floaty guy! It looks like a little weird-shouldered monster, and then it looks like it's trying to King Kong the Empire State Building.



Good times. Remember how everyone in America got rickrolled on last year's parade? That ruled.

Did You Hear About the Bear Who Lost Her Hair?

Poor Dolores. This lil lady at Germany's Leipzig Zoo has lost her fur. And so have all the other bears at the zoo! And nobody knows why. Poor guys. I hope they make them little sweaters for winter.

Thanks to Anna for the tip!

Only the Best for Griswold

Griswold the Great Dane only likes the freshest sips. My cat Ruby is the same way, with the sink! Such discerning palates.



Bonus video: "Great Danes Standing Tall," a photo montage of exactly that. With a Kenny G soundtrack.



Thanks Francesca for the tip!

Mindblowing Murals

Yesterday when I went to vote at PS 38 in Brooklyn I encountered some truly Astounding Art in the auditorium. Each painting had a TotallyAwesome Title.

Here's a sampling:

DAZZLING DESERT



How good is that fox-thing, right? Do foxes even live in the desert? Who cares!


HAPPENING HIMALAYAS



Something's happening in these Himalayas, all right. A bad drug trip!!! Look at all those freaky animals!


SPICY SAVANNAH



Me-OW!